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Grooming an old arthritic labrador, very scurfy

(10 Posts)
Mazgg Wed 12-Jul-23 10:48:08

My dear old black lab is nearly 13 and I am finding it very difficult to groom her. She is unable/unwilling to stand for long and can't get into the shower. I used to take her to the dog groomer who would bathe her. Unfortunately as she is no longer able to get into the car this is now impossible.
I have tried the no rinse shampoos but they don't get down to the undercoat which is very scurfy. The groomer also used to cut her claws which I am afraid to cut as they are black and I can't see where to cut to.
I have an intolerance to pet dander and as you can imagine I am coughing and sneezing continuously.
A mobile groomer would be the answer but there don't seem to be any in this area.

Whitewavemark2 Wed 12-Jul-23 11:07:32

Paddling pool filled with warm soapy water and if she lays down in it all the better. Rinse with a big jug.

Calipso Wed 12-Jul-23 11:09:14

Could you perhaps have a chat with the dog groomer you used to go to, explain the circumstances and see if they might do a home visit?

Foxygloves Wed 12-Jul-23 12:02:24

I have seen mobile dog groomer vans around my area- you could try looking for one.

Foxygloves Wed 12-Jul-23 12:04:00

I like the paddling pool suggestion. My black lab who made it to 16 simply loved water!
I also used to groom her lying down with one of those “double” combs which gets down to the undercoat.

Mazgg Wed 12-Jul-23 16:39:16

Thank you all. I've tried the paddling pool but she wouldn't step over the side. As a younger dog she loved being in water and would happily swim in the river.
If the groomer came to me she would have the same problem I have getting her into the shower. Last time I tried that I had to strip off and wear a swimsuit! So far I am unable to find a groomer with a mobile grooming parlour kitted out with a low dog bath.
The best solution I have thought of is to fill buckets with warm water and bathe her outside on a fine day.

Blondiescot Wed 12-Jul-23 16:57:56

Poor old girl. I'm not sure what else to suggest - the buckets with warm water may be your best option if you can't find a mobile groomer who could accommodate her needs. Have you tried adding salmon oil to her food? That can make a big difference to Labs' coats, especially in their senior years.

Ali23 Wed 12-Jul-23 21:50:06

Have you tried googling Dial a dog wash? They seem to have franchises everywhere so might be worth a go.
Would the dog stand in a baby bath in the garden?

MayBee70 Wed 12-Jul-23 23:14:36

I use a dremel on my dogs claws. Hers are black and are difficult to cut without causing them to bleed. She also hates it. The one she’s ok with is Pecute which is quite quiet. Would a grooming glove help with brushing? When ours has a very rare bath I just have several buckets of warm water in the garden and also use a watering can. She’s not as big and heavy as a Labrador, though.

NotSpaghetti Thu 13-Jul-23 06:35:25

wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-an-elderly-dog#:~:text=If%20your%20dog%20has%20severe,joints%20if%20he%20has%20arthritis.

Scroll down there's a suggestion to talk to your vet for a mild painkiller for bathing an arthritic dog.